Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,658, James Dunham, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. Continental
Dunham, James
S. 31,658
CONTENTS

Connecticut 22.508
James Hunham,
of Holland, in the State of Conn.
who was a Private in the Regt commanded by Captain Smith, of the Comp commanded by Col. Mylls in the Conn. line for the year
Died March 21, 1854 (a.2)
Inscribed on the Roll of Cont. at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Sep. 1838 and sent to John Howard, C.C. Holland. etc.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1838. 100.00. Semest. allowance ending 4 Mar '39, 20.00
$120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M. P. Palmer Clerk, Book E Vol. Three Page 11 .

85 86 22.508
James Dunham Connecticut
Return
Adm. 1 year $40.00
In Howard At Court. Tolland Ct Tolland City Conn

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
14 June 183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of James Durham  Holland City " Connecticut"
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlist 1780 ~ 3 ~ Pri x Col Smith 18 years Mansfield Conn Traditionary   - 1780 ~ 3 ~ - Col Deylls Evidence   Sub 1780 ~ 3 ~ " Capt Thompson Col a fleet Witnesses papers not authenticated   Enlist 1781 ~ 6 ~ " Capt Richardson Col Sherman  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
+ It will be seen in the declaration that the applicant claims but two terms of service in 1780 - to wit, one for 3 months commencing in June & ending in September and the other for 3 months commencing in December & that with respect to these as also the last term of 7 months every requisite is believed to be complied with

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ; ) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his-

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of Connecticut } Probate Court District of County of Tolland } Tolland August 8. 1832.
Present Jeremiah Parish Esq. holding said Court. On this 8 th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before said Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting James Drinker a resident of the town of Canterbury in said County of Tolland aged 68 years who being first duly sworn according to law to the best of his knowledge make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein is stated. Entered the service of the United States in the revolutionary War as a private soldier in a militia Company raised by the State of Connecticut. I enlisted in S d . Company in the month of June 1780 for three months and served out said term of three months, in S d . War was, missed discharged in Sept r 1780 but cannot state the day on which I enlisted nor the day I was discharged - Capt. Smith of S d Wilford, Lieut. John Parish Ensign & Ensigns of Mansfield were the Officers of said Company - Col. Samuel Wyllys commanded the Regiment. I marched with said Company from Windham in the County of Windham in S d . State of Connecticut through Norwich to New London and performed said three months service at New London. In December 1780 I again entered the service of the United States in the revolutionary War as a private soldier in the militia of said State of Connecticut for the term of three months - & then served as a substitute for Seth Louse of Mansfield.

in a company of militia commanded by Capt. Samuel Thompson - the other officers were Lieut. Nathl. Grosvenor & Ensigne Murchock Col. Mead commanded the Regiment - We belonged to Greenwich State of Connecticut - I marched with said Company from Mans- field through Hartford & New Haven & Stamford to Greenwich & there performed said service & was discharged at the expiration thereof in March 1781 but can not state the particular day I enlisted on the day I was discharged - The 10 th day of June 1781 I enlisted at Windham in said State in the United States Army in the revolutionary War as a private soldier in a company commanded by Capt. Richards of New London as a recruit or new levée for the term of six months, Connec- tical line Continental establishment and actually served seven months, in said Company I was discharged the 12 th day of January 1782 at the Highlands on the North River in the State of New York
The other officers of the Company were Lieut. Holt of Ashford & Ensign Linte - Col. Sherman commanded the Regiment - I marched with said company through Hartford to Peekskill on the north river & from there to the White Plains - in the month of October 1781 I was detached with a party & was sent to Long Island under Major Salomage & there took a Fort call. Fort Stongo - I had a discharge from said last mentioned service but have lost it but had no other, & have no documentary evidence
I resided in said Mansfield every time I entered service and during said War & afterwards removed to said County an adjoining town where I now reside I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State - And in answer to the in- terrogatories put by the Court as presented by the War Department

I declare & say - That I was born in Mansfield then in the County of Windham now in the County of Tolland, Connecticut on the 18 th day of October 1763 - I have no record of my age - every time I was called into the service - I lived in said Mansfield where I lived until the year 1787 when I removed to Coventry Tolland County where I have ever since lived & now reside - I cannot name the Officers who were with the troops, where I served - the Continental or militia Regiments and general circumstances of my service other than I have stated in my declaration - I am known to Stephen of Coventry & Joseph Burnham Jr of Tolland in S d County who can testify to my veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier in the revolution - Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid James his Duncan mark
We Stephen Duncan of Coventry in the County of Tolland & Joseph Burnham Jr of Tolland in S d County State of Connecticut hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Duncan of said County who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration & that we believe him to be sixty nine years old on next October and that he is a man of veracity and is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution - and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Stephen Duncan Joseph Burnham Jr -
And the said board do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department - that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states - And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Stephen Duncan of Coventry in Tolland County

who has signed the preceding declaration is a resident in said Town of Coventry & that Joseph Burnham Jr. who has also signed the same is a resident in said Tolland and both are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit - And they further find that Don C. Brigham & Stephen Dunham both of Coventry & Edward J. William Cummings of Mansfield in Tolland County the persons named in the preceding declaration whose depositions have been exhibited here in court & accompany this declaration are credible persons witnesses that their statement is entitled to full belief
I Joseph Howard Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Tolland do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of James Dunham of Coventry in the County of Tolland for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 8 th day of August 1832
Jas. Howard Clerk
Attest copy of record certified by J. Howard Clk. of Court of Probate for the District of Tolland -
8586

February 15, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Helen S. Moore 506 Kathmere Road Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
cur JAMES DUNHAM S. 31658 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
You are furnished herein the record of James Dunham as found in pension claim, S. 31658, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
James Dunham was born October 18, 1763, in Mansfield, in that part of Windham County which was later Tolland County, Connecticut; the names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Mansfield, Connecticut, James Dunham enlisted in June, 1780, and served three months as private in Captain Smith's company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut regiment, stationed near New London, Connecticut. He enlisted in December, 1780, and served three months as private in Captain Samuel Thompson's company, Colonel Mead's Connecticut regiment. He enlisted June 10, 1781, served as private in Captain Richards' company, Colonel Isaac Sherman's Connecticut regiment, marched to White Plains and in October, 1781, was detached and sent under Major Tallmage to Long Island where he assisted in taking Fort Slongo and was discharged January 12, 1782.
The soldier moved from Mansfield, Connecticut, in 1787, to Coventry, Tolland County, that state.
James Dunham was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1832, while a resident of Coventry, Connecticut. He died March 21, 1854.
No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of James Dunham.
In 1832, one Stephen Dunham, aged seventy-one years, was residing in Coventry, Connecticut, and in the same year one Seth Dunham, age

not stated, was a Justice of the Peace for Tolland County, Connecticut; their relationship to the soldier not shown.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension and name of person paid, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: James Dunham, Certificate #22508, issued September 30, 1833, rate $40 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act June 7, 1832, Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1937 Feb 15 Hick to Helen S. Moore 3/43
31658
Rev INVALID.
File No. 31,658
James Durham Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 116
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Dan L Brigham of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged 69 years do hereby say that in the fall of 1781 I was at Stamford in Connecticut being a soldier the State Troops and saw there James Denham then residing in Stamford State of Conn but now residing in said Connecticut and know that he then was a private soldier in the Service of the United States in the Revolution- ary War Connecticut line Continental establishment - I lived near to said Denham when at Stamford as he resided in Stamford on the East side of the Naugatuck river & I resided in said Connecticut on the West side of said river and know that he enlisted in the United States Army in said year before the march to said Stamford and I also know of his returning from said Service but cannot state the time of his return or of his return
Dan L Brigham
State of Connecticut
Litchfield County ss Litchfield Aug 8-1832
I personally appeared Dan L Brigham the above named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me I also certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original and that the foregoing is entitled to be filed as a true copy of the original Elizabeth Parsons

I Stephen Dunham of County in the County of Holland and State of Connecticut aged 71 years do hereby declare and say that in the month of April 1781 Capt Samuel Thompson of Mansfield in S. States in my presence paid to James Dunham then residing in said Mansfield now in said County the wages of the said James for three months, receiving as a prisoner in the Militia in the Revolutionary war - the said Thompson was a capt of Militia company in said Mansfield and had been a short time before that in command of a Militia company in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war as I understood at the time for the term of three months, and that the said James belonged to his company - the said James asked the said Thompson for his travelling fees but he denied his having received any for him, but it afterwards appeared that he had received said fees for the said James, and the said Thompson being then a member of the Church, a complaint was exhibited against him before the Church for this false representation, he eventually paid over to said James the fees so received for him - This circumstance has impressed upon my

mind the fact of his paying the said fines his three months wages and the conversation which took place between them -
I have also a general impression of his having afterwards served in the Revolutionary war on the continental establishment but can not state particulars respecting it - Stephen Durharr
Deed of confirmation of Holland Aug 8 th 1832 County of Holland
Personally appeared Stephen Durharr the above named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition before him subscribed
Before me
Elisha Stearns Justice of Peace
I also certify that the said deponent sustains a fair character for truth is entitled to credit
Elisha Stearns Justice of Peace
Holland County Conn. } S. S. Holland

Tillamook County Court. } S. S. Clerk's office } S. S. Tillamook
I Jeremiah Prush Clerk of Tillamook County Court do hereby certify that Elisha Stearns Esq. before whom the within depositions of Don C. Brigham & Stephen Dunham on the 8th day of August, 1832 were taken and sworn to, was at that time, long before and still is a justice of Peace within the County of Tillamook legally appointed & invested in this office as such & duly authorized by law to administer oaths & take Depositions & that the signatures to the within certificates purporting to be his are genuine to whose official acts full faith & credit are to be given. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 9th day of August AD 1832
Jeremiah Prush Clerk

To the Hon County Court to be held at Tolland on the first Tuesday of August 1832. The deposition of William Cummings taken at the sealed return directed at Mansfield in the County of Tolland the 6 th day of August 1832 by me
J. H. (Barnes) Justice of Peace

William Cummings, Mansfield in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut of Mansfield age 78 years and say that in the year 1790 I was with James Burnham then of Mansfield at Mahon and Colts New Britain and in the Revolutionary war by a draught of three months left Mansfield some time in the month of June and was discharged in the month of September following and the command of Capt Smith of Suffield and Lieut John Davis of Windham and further the deponent saith not
William Cummings
County of Tolland ss Mansfield August 6th 1832 Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid William Cummings who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the same disposition which is taken at the request of James Burnham to be used in obtaining a pension from the United States for revolutionary services
Seth Burnham Justice of Peace
I also certify that the said William Cummings the above deponent sustains a fair character for truth & veracity & is entitled to full credit
State of Connecticut Tolland County } ss. (Tolland) —
Seth Burnham Justice of Peace
I Jeremiah Pynchon Clerk of Tolland County Court do certify that Seth Burnham Esq before whom on the 6th day of August 1832 the foregoing deposition of William Cummings was then taken and authenticated was then & still is a justice of Peace in & for Tolland County legally authorized to take depositions and administer oaths & I believe the signature purporting to be his to the above Certificate is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Tolland this 21st day of August 1832 Jeremiah Pynchon Clerk

Tolland County s.s. Tolland July 28 th 1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Public Notary duly commissioned and sworn & residing in sd town & County of Tolland, James Dunham who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as the precise days of his entering or leaving the service in any instance; But according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, & in the following grades viz. For Three months as a private soldier commencing in June & ending in Sept 1780 — I served as a private soldier & substitute for Seth Pearce for term of sd Mansfield for Three months commencing in Dec. 1780 & ending in March 1781 I also served as a private soldier Seven Months & two days in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary war commencing on the 10 th day of June 1781 & ending the 12 th day of Aug. 1782 and for said service I claim a pension
James his Dunham mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me Jeremiah Smith Notary Public as aforesaid — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Notarial seal at Tolland this 28 th day of July
D 1833
Jeremiah Smith Notary Public

I Jeremiah Parish Judge of Probate for the Probate district of Tolland & Certify that Joseph Howard Esq is Clerk of the Probate Court in sd district and that the seal by him affixed to the above certificate purporting to be sd Howard's on the 8th day of August 1832 then was the only seal of sd Court, & that it was then there placed by my order — But since I have procured a new seal which is hereunto affixed — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed sd Probate seal this 18th day of July AD 1833
Jeremiah Parish Judge of Tolland Probate Court Tolland County Conn.

Copy
BOTSFORD FAMILY ASSOCIATION
January 3, 1937
Pension Bureau Veterans Administration Washington, D. C. - Attention Mr. Black
Gentlemen:
Thank you for the report received during the past week. Finding it difficult to trace the present address of some members of the Botsford line, I am again appealing to you for information as to their home at the time of enlistment, and also whatever military service they rendered to their country, which will be incorporated in our genealogy.
James Dunham, a pensioner in 1832, residing in Coventry, Tolland County, Connecticut. Can you advise me the date of his birth, name of birthplace, where he served during the Revolutionary War. May I have the benefit of any other pertinent information which your records would disclose?
Do you have any information on the following, who would have been old enough to have fought in the Civil War? I cannot tell you from which state they enlisted, though some lived in Michigan according to our records.
   NAME MARRIED     B. E. Garfield Sarah Botsford (Don't know his first name)   Luke Botsford   Myron Botsford Laura Buck & Annie Jones   J. E. Copeland Emma Botsford (Don't know his first name)   George Robbins Jane Botsford   Warren Carroll Curtis Laura H. Cromwell   Warren T. Botsford Harriet E. Bull   Nelson Lorin Botsford ? ? ?   Warren Israel Botsford ? ? ?   Alvah H. Botsford   John R. Tomlinson Marietta Botsford   Allen E. Olraim Wheeler Sarah Sabrina Botsford (a physician)   Jefferson Botsford Charlotte Henry   Fred Clark Botsford ? ? ?   David & Geo. Beers ? ? ?  
Thanking you for whatever information your records may show and thanking you in advance for the kindness of your report, I am,
Very truly yours
(Signed) HELEN S. MOORE
Helen S. Moore 506 Kathmere Road Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

February 15, 1937
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BA-J/MNH:MLB
Helen S. Moore 506 Kathmere Road Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of James Dunham, a pensioner in Tolland County, Connecticut, in 1832, also, the records of several soldiers of the Civil War.
The record of James Dunham is furnished you herewith.
Your letter has been referred to the proper official for reply in regard to the Civil War records.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator